The South African Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held at Montecasino on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, was a night of immense pride and reflection. Seven iconic sports figures were honoured for their extraordinary contributions, with four Kaizer Chiefs legends taking center stage. The event not only celebrated their achievements but also reinforced the importance of preserving and recognising South Africa’s rich sporting history.

Honouring Kaizer Chiefs Legends

The induction of the late Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, Neil Tovey, and Lucas Radebe into the Hall of Fame marked a defining moment for Kaizer Chiefs. These icons, revered for their skill and leadership, were joined by Banyana Banyana coach Dr. Desiree Ellis, football maestro Dr. Jomo Sono, and former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba.

Ntsoelengoe’s daughters, Ofentse and Boipelo, accepted the award on their father’s behalf, reflecting on his unmatched legacy. A towering figure in Chiefs’ history, Ntsoelengoe scored a staggering 250 goals during his near two-decade career, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. Ofentse spoke movingly about her father’s influence: “His legacy extends beyond his impressive stats and accolades; he touched hearts, mentored minds, and shaped futures.”

Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, another icon, was known for his electrifying play in the number 11 jersey. He credited Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, for enabling his success, saying, “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have reached the heights I did.” Dladla reminisced about his early days with the club and his role in its historic victories, including the hat-trick against Durban City in 1979 that secured Chiefs’ first multiracial league title.

Contributions That Transcend Generations

Neil Tovey, who captained Kaizer Chiefs for a decade, praised Dr. Motaung for his guidance and support. Tovey also acknowledged his brother, Mark, for mentoring him throughout his career. Beyond his club achievements, Tovey is etched in history as the captain who led Bafana Bafana to their first continental glory in 1996, winning the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Lucas Radebe, affectionately known as “Rhoo,” was another honoree celebrated for his immense contributions. A former Chiefs captain who later became a global icon at Leeds United, Radebe represented South Africa at two FIFA World Cup tournaments. “What we did was not for the accolades nor the attention; it was for the passion,” Radebe said, reflecting on the legacy of his generation.

Recognising Trailblazers

Dr. Desiree Ellis stood out as the only woman inducted. A trailblazer in South African football, she has inspired countless young women through her achievements as a player and coach. Radebe lauded her contributions, calling her “an inspiration for the next generation, especially for young women who want to take football as a career.”

The inclusion of Dr. Jomo Sono and Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba underscored their vital roles in shaping South African football. Sono, revered as “The Black Prince,” left an indelible mark as a player, coach, and administrator, while Mashaba guided national teams at various levels with distinction.

Inspiring Future Generations

The evening was not just about celebrating the past but also about inspiring the future. Yusuf Maart, current Kaizer Chiefs captain, highlighted the importance of hard work and humility, urging young players to use this recognition as motivation. “Players should not think they’ve made it when they arrive at Chiefs. That’s when the hard work should begin,” he said.

Radebe echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the current Bafana Bafana squad’s resurgence under coach Hugo Broos. With the team qualifying for AFCON 2025 unbeaten and making strides in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he urged consistency and resilience. “These guys are writing their own history,” Radebe said. “We see the consistency, and hopefully they will continue with that progress.”

A Night of Celebration and Reflection

The South African Hall of Fame induction ceremony was more than an event; it was a testament to the enduring legacies of sporting icons who shaped the country’s football landscape. Surrounded by their families, teammates, and football administrators, the honorees were celebrated not just for their accolades but for the inspiration they continue to provide to future generations.

As South African football evolves, the stories of legends like Ntsoelengoe, Dladla, Tovey, and Radebe remain a source of pride and motivation, reminding the nation of the heights that can be reached with passion, dedication, and unity.